What Is scFOS ?

Fructans have been defined as any compound where one or more fructosyl fructose linkages constitutes a majority of linkages fructan is used to name molecules that have a majority of fructose residues, whatever the number is (Roberfroid, 2005a). Fructans therefore represent a heterogeneous group, and as such, many different

possible chemical entities exist. Fructans can vary with respect to the following

(Roberfroid, 2005a): Source Plant, bacteria, and fungi Chain compositionAll fructose or mostly fructose Linkages2,1 and 2,6 Degree of polymerization (DP)Plant fructans do not exceed DP of 200; however, bacterial fructans can have a DP as high as 100,000

ArchitectureLinear, branched, or cyclic FunctionalityPhysiology and food science

Because of the heterogeneity of the fructan family, subclass classifications have

evolved with their own set of chemical and physiological properties. Figure 2.1 represents

different classes of linear fructans, categorized according to chain length.

The subclass called inulin represents a higher-molecular-weight group, with DP <

200. In contrast, the subclass called oligofructose has a lower molecular weight, with

DP < 10 (Roberfroid, 2005a). The oligofructose subgroup can be further subdivided

into the group called short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS).